Psalm 19
What if you lived in a time or place where the Bible didn’t exist? You couldn’t study Genesis or any part of Scripture, for that matter. The Bible records Jesus saying in John 14:6 that he is the only way to God, but without those written words, you wouldn’t know anything about John 14:6. So, would you be held accountable, or would you receive an eternal pass?
Genesis chapters 1 and 2 recount the creation story. “In the beginning, God (who already existed) created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). Before creation, the world was formless, dark, and empty (Gen. 1:2). During the first three days of creation, God remedied the formlessness and darkness. On Day 1, God brought day and night into existence (Gen. 1:3-5). On Day 2, he separated the sky from the waters (Gen. 1:6-8). On Day 3, God formed the land and vegetation (Gen. 1:9-13). After establishing order from the chaos, he filled the emptiness. On Day 4, he created the sun and moon, which serve as lights for day and night (Gen. 1:14-19). On Day 5, God made the fish and birds, filling the air with life (Gen. 1:20-23). On Day 6, he designed the animals to inhabit the land, culminating in man, his crowning creation (Gen. 1:24-27).
One cannot observe God’s wondrous creation without seeing the great Creator. King David said it this way in Psalm 19:
Psalm 19:1-6
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
As people gaze into the heavens, they cannot overlook the work of the Creator. The word translated as “declare” means “to make known” or “to create a written record.” It is as if the statement “This is God’s marvelous creation!” is inscribed in the heavens. The sky, synonymous with heaven, proclaims, “This is the achievement of the glorious Creator!” The heavens do not speak audibly but instead shout into the hearts of those admiring the sky, bearing witness to the work of God.
The first proof of God’s existence is the testimony of creation. The presence of mountains, valleys, rivers, and oceans prompts the question: Where did these originate? The answer must be—this is the work of an all-powerful Creator!
Let’s contemplate the stars in the sky. Our sun, powerful enough to burn skin and sustain every plant on Earth, is merely a wimp among the stars. If the giant star Antares were positioned at the same distance from Earth as the sun—ninety-three million miles away—our planet would be consumed by it! Our sun and Antares are just two of the approximately five hundred billion stars that traverse the vast expanse of the Milky Way galaxy. A dime held at arm’s length could block out fifteen million stars from view if our eyes had the ability to see that far.
Andromeda is a galaxy visible to the naked eye, located roughly two million light-years away. It appeared on star charts long before the invention of the telescope. It is twice the size of the Milky Way and is home to about a trillion stars. Are you ready for this? The Milky Way and Andromeda are just two of approximately a hundred billion galaxies, each teeming with stars!
When I think about the number of stars, I reflect on Genesis 1:16. After Moses explained that God made the sun and the moon, he wrote, almost as an add-on, “[God] also made the stars.” Psalm 147 says that God “determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” Amazing!
If a person is too proud to acknowledge God in the heavens, all they have to do is consider the human body that God formed from the dust of the earth. Here are four examples:
- The eye can see objects far away and, in a split second, adjust to see objects close at hand. It contains an automatic shutter that opens wide in the dark and closes to a pinpoint in the light. This organ continually adjusts without our thought or awareness. Tiny glands in the eye keep it wet and slippery, enabling the eyelid to slide up and down easily.
- The skin is both elastic and loose. When bumped, it shifts to prevent tearing. The skin adapts to various conditions and is waterproof, allowing us to swim and bathe without worry.
- God created the air, consisting of about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. He then formed the lungs with tissue that separates oxygen from nitrogen, allowing oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- The respiratory tract serves as a filter that protects the blood from impurities. It also includes a cooling system to stabilize the temperature of inhaled air.
Indeed, we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14).
The proof of God’s existence and glory is so evident in creation that Paul reaches this conclusion.
Romans 1:20
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Even without Scripture, a person cannot miss God’s attributes, power, and nature. God’s creation proclaims his Person and glory. No one is without excuse. The person who bows before God the Creator by faith will know his love and forgiveness.
But we do have Scripture! The heavens declare God’s glory, and we are blessed to read and study his Word. Here are the benefits of engaging in God’s Word.
Psalm 19:7-14
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Psalm 19. As you read Psalm 19:1-6, focus on God’s incredible creation. As you read Psalm 19:7-14, compile a list of the ways God, through his Word, is working in your life.
Talking to God
Use this summary of Psalm 19:7-14 to thank God for the benefit of his Word in your life.
- God’s Word rejuvenates the soul.
- God’s Word provides wisdom and discernment.
- God’s Word brings joy to the heart.
- God’s Word gives enlightenment.
- God’s Word builds stability.
- God’s Word is more valuable than gold.
- God’s Word is sweeter than honey.
- God’s Word warns and protects us from sin.
Have Questions?
So, what if you lived during a time or in a place where God’s written Word did not exist? How would you be held accountable? You may have questions about Romans 1:20. Our team would love to engage with you in this crucial theological truth. Submit your question below, and they’ll get back to you soon.
Two more things:
- Go to ronmoore.org/lifemap for an exercise that will help you discover how God is writing his story in you. I have included a life map of Joseph that will serve as an example.
- On February 25 at 7:00 pm, we will meet on a Zoom call to review what we have learned in Genesis and answer questions. A link to the call will be provided if you wish to participate.
I want to just say thank you for going through Genesis. I now have a new understanding and excitement for the word of God. How Psalms 19:14 is mentioned before most services in prayer to keep us centered on God, his word, and how he reveals things to us.